Sleepover With the Sharks

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A night at the Aquarium is every shark lover’s dream! With the help of our finned friends, you’ll debunk myths about sharks and discover just how important these incredible animals are to the health of our ocean.

Explore the Aquarium after we’ve closed to the public and learn about sharks in our interactive Shark Lab. After a kid-friendly dinner, you’ll have the chance to experience one of our 4-D Immersion films.

An expert guide will lead you through special behind-the-scenes areas of the Aquarium. You can even dare to walk the shark catwalk, where our largest sharks swim silently just inches below.

As the night winds down, set up your sleeping bag and fall asleep under the watchful eye of our blacktip reef sharks. In the morning, after a continental breakfast, we’ll test your knowledge in a spirited, shark-inspired trivia game.

The Basics

Ages:
All participants must be at least 8 years of age to participate in this program. Refunds will not be given for participants who do not meet the age requirements.

Getting Ready for Your Tour

Arrive 15 minutes before your tour, and be sure to allow extra travel time for rush hour traffic

Check in at our staff entrance when you arrive. It’s just around the corner from our main entrance, across from the USS Torsk submarine

Your sleepover program ends at 9 a.m., but your ticket is good for a full day of exploration! With a hand stamp, you can leave to stow your gear and return to the Aquarium the same day

You’ll be asked to sign a waiver when you get here—save time by bringing a signed copy along

For information on discounted parking, please check aqua.org/parking. Bring your ticket to have it validated before leaving the Aquarium

When booking your tour, please notify Central Reservations of any guests with special needs

Additional Information

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, including if you miss your tour due to late arrival. If the Aquarium cancels your program, you’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Call Ahead

To ensure that your tour hasn’t been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as animal health or inclement weather, please call 410-576-8822 the day of your program for cancellation information.

Age Restrictions

You must be at least 16 years old to participate in an Immersion Tour program without an accompanying adult. Guests under the age of 18 must bring a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my tour go behind-the-scenes?

Yes! You’ll visit behind-the-scenes areas during your tour.

How old do I have to be to go on this tour?

Because of the behind-the-scenes access, all participants must be at least 8 years old. No refunds will be given for guests who do not meet the minimum age requirements to participate.

Can my child participate without a parent or guardian?

A parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 16. Minors 16 years of age or older may participate with a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians accompanying children must be at least 18 years old. For example, a 17-year-old may attend a tour with a signed waiver, but their 10-year-old sibling may not accompany them without an adult.

Will I get to touch any animals?

Not all of the animals you’ll see on your tour are available for guest interaction. We try to bring you as close to our animals as possible, but for both your safety and that of our animals, we cannot guarantee the opportunity to touch or handle an animal.

What should I wear?

You’ll be traveling behind the scenes, so close-toed, non-slip shoes are required. That means no crocs, sandals, flip-flops or high heels. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, as you’ll be traveling around the Aquarium. Sleepovers are co-ed, so make sure to bring comfortable sleep attire that’s appropriate for a co-ed group.

What should I bring with me?

You’ll be camping on the floor, so bring a sleeping bag! Sleeping pads, pillows, and foam or air mattresses are optional, but due to limited space, we encourage guests not to bring air mattresses. Air mattresses larger than twin-size and cots are prohibited.

You’ll be spending the night, so bring toiletries and personal articles, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, facial soaps, medications and sleepwear suitable for a co-ed group.

Remember that close-toed, non-slip shoes are required. That means no crocs, sandals, flip-flops or high heels.

You may also wish to bring money if you plan to visit the Aquarium’s gift shop. Please note that shopping time is not included in the schedule, so arrive early on Friday or plan to reenter the Aquarium after your sleepover on Saturday to shop.

Is admission included with my tour?

Yes! You’re free to explore the Aquarium during our regular hours before or after your sleepover. To enter the building, please use the Pier 3 Staff Entrance located directly across from the U.S.S. Torsk submarine. We will not be able to store your gear prior to your scheduled check-in time or following your sleepover, so be sure to store your gear in the car if you plan to explore the Aquarium!

If I decide to visit the Aquarium before or after my sleepover, is there a place to store my gear?

No. We will not be able to store your gear prior to your scheduled check-in time or following your sleepover, so be sure to store your gear in the car if you plan to explore the Aquarium!

Are sleepovers coed?

Yes. Our sleepovers are best described as indoor camping experiences and are open to any and all groups, so they may be co-ed. If your group wishes to have a private sleeping area, please let your sleepover guide know during check-in. If you do request a private sleeping area for your group, we cannot guarantee you will be placed in one of our underwater viewing areas.

Will there be food or snacks during the sleepover?

Yes! During your sleepover, you’ll have the chance to dine with us twice. A kid-friendly, buffet-style dinner and a continental breakfast are both included with the cost of your tour. If you or someone in your group has special dietary needs, please contact us at 410-576-8822, and someone will be in contact regarding options for you or your group!

Do you offer badges for scout groups?

Yes! All of our scout groups receive a National Aquarium patch. However, at this time, it is not an official scout badge. Please check back soon, as we’re working on some sleepover additions that will allow your scouts to earn different badges during their visit.

Is there a chaperone to child ratio for sleepovers?

Yes! We require at least one adult (18 years or older) for every seven children under the age 16.

Where should we park when we arrive, and are there any discounts available?

When you arrive for your sleepover, please plan to park at the Lockwood Garage (124 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202) located directly across the street from the National Aquarium. Remember to bring your parking ticket to check-in. Your sleepover guide will provide you with a chaser ticket to use upon exiting the garage with a flat rate of $8. To receive this discount, you must exit the garage prior to 12:00 pm following your sleepover.